Los Angeles has always been a city of dreamers, creators and innovators.

But when the Eaton and Palisades wildfires tore through the region, the destruction went beyond homes and businesses—it struck into the very heart of Los Angeles’ art scene. Studios, archives and irreplaceable artwork were lost within hours, while the people who make the arts possible—from artists and designers to gallerists, curators and art handlers—were left figuring out how to recover.

As the fires raged, Los Angeles art relief efforts quickly mobilized, with local organizations, galleries and institutions stepping in to provide support. East West Bank actively engaged in these recovery efforts, partnering with the LA arts community to share resources and establish funds to provide immediate relief.

East West Bank supports Los Angeles’ art recovery

For two decades, East West Bank has supported the arts through our dedicated Art Program, recognizing art’s power to connect people across cultures. Through partnerships with artists, museums and galleries, we have highlighted a range of artistic voices, fostering cultural appreciation and dialogue.

From the start of the fires, East West Bank worked with art leaders to launch the LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, providing direct financial aid to those affected. We also collaborated with Gallery Association Los Angeles (GALA) to create Project Phoenix, an ad hoc working group of art world professionals supporting impacted communities. The group provides disaster relief, grants and legal guidance for artists and creative professionals.

Los Angeles art relief in action

The fires impacted some of LA’s most historic creative neighborhoods, including Altadena, where generations of artists, curators, museum professionals and creative entrepreneurs have lived and worked. Many lost not just artwork, but also archives, workspaces and essential tools that made their careers possible.

“Having lived in peaceful Altadena with my family for many years, I am very familiar with the creative community there who got hit hard overnight,” said Philipp Kaiser, President and Partner, Marian Goodman Gallery. “Beside the tragic losses, the experience of being displaced from your home deprives artists of the stability needed to be creative.”

The LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund

Within days of the fires starting, East West Bank quickly reached out to museums, foundations and arts supporters to help establish the LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund. Thanks to overwhelming generosity, the fund has already surpassed $12 million.

“The most urgent need is direct support—getting resources into the hands of those who have lost homes, studios and livelihoods,” said Johanna Burton, Director, Museum of Contemporary Art.

Michael Govan, CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director of LACMA, echoed this sentiment: “It was so heartening how quickly and generously people throughout the arts community, and our friends nationally and internationally, mobilized to help with the most immediate needs of artists and arts workers displaced or affected. It's a sign of how connected we all are, within our metropolis and beyond. It bodes well for our future and the care among us that will carry us forward.”  

Christine Messineo, Director of Americas, Frieze, emphasized that engagement goes beyond just one week of events, “One of the most direct ways to contribute is by attending the fair, engaging with galleries, and investing in artists’ work—actions that feed directly into the cultural economy and provide tangible support for those affected.”

Mills Morán, Gallery Owner and Co-Founder of the Felix Art Fair, echoed the importance of sustained support. “The best way to support Southern California is by showing up for our local arts community—not just during Los Angeles Art Week, but all year round.”